Royal Berks X-ray team take on Tough Mudder

Royal Berkshire Hospital 's X-ray team are preparing to get muddy in order to raise funds for a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine.

Team Radio-Inactive are taking on the challenge of London West Tough Mudder on Saturday, May 2, at Culden Faw in Henley-on-Thames.

The group of 30 is made up of doctors, nurses, health care assistants, radiographers, sonographers and administrative staff. They have each vowed to complete the gruelling 12-mile obstacle course in an attempt to raise the £90,000 needed for the new piece of equipment.

Dr Shezad Hussain, consultant radiologist, said: "We want to kick start our fundraising campaign for a new ultrasound scanner, which will help improve the imaging service we provide and increase capacity for our patients."

The department is a busy unit diagnosing 280,000 patients a year. However the team want to extend their service and increase the number of patients seen to around 360,000.

It is hoped the new machine will also help reduce waiting times and allow patients to be seen quicker.

Dr Hussain continued:"We are excited about the challenge ahead of us but a little anxious about some of the obstacles we will face in the Tough Mudder race. There have been a few injuries but we are still training hard. It has been great fun working together as a team and focusing on such a great cause."

Tough Mudder is the start of the fundraising. In addition the team is taking part in a number of other events.

If you would like to support the team's efforts call the Royal Berks Charity office on 0118 322 6969 or visit its website .